Classification of acute spinal cord injury, neurological evaluation, and neurosurgical considerations.

This article provides an overview of the classification of acute spinal cord injuries as well as the description of the pathophysiology and neuroanatomy of the most commonly traumatized areas of the spinal cord. The essentials of the neurological examination relative to spinal cord injuries is discussed and the specific abnormalities found in patients with spinal cord syndromes. Management principles are briefly summarized.